Governor Newsom helps nearly 12,000 Californians switch to electric cars, leaving Trump's skyrocketing gas prices in the rearview mirror

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Oct 16, 2026

Governor Newsom helps nearly 12,000 Californians switch to electric cars, leaving Trump's skyrocketing gas prices in the rearview mirror

California keeps America in the global EV race as Trump surrenders U.S. innovation to China

What you need to know: Governor Newsom, in partnership with the Legislature, is helping Californians ditch Donald Trump's high gas prices. Already, nearly 12,000 Californians have used the state's MyFirstEV rebate program to save thousands of dollars switching to their first zero-emission vehicle. Despite the Trump administration's attacks on American clean vehicle manufacturing and jobs, zero-emission vehicles accounted for nearly one in five new cars sold in California during the third quarter.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that nearly 12,000 Californians have switched to electric vehicles with MyFirstEV, the state's instant rebate that gives first-time buyers $3,500 off a new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) or $1,750 off a used one, right at the point of sale.

The milestone comes as ZEVs held strong at 19.1% of new car sales in California in the third quarter of 2026, and as U.S. electric vehicle sales climbed to their highest level in a year. Californians have now bought almost 2.8 million ZEVs, and more than 25,000 jobs have been announced in the state's clean vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

Twelve thousand Californians bought their first electric car and said goodbye to the gas pump. That's nearly twelve thousand drivers who no longer pay the price of Donald Trump's reckless Iran war every time they fill up. This is what affordability and economic security look like: money back in families' pockets, good-paying jobs here at home, and an America that's done letting foreign wars and unstable global oil markets set the price of getting to work. California is just getting started.

Governor Gavin Newsom

How MyFirstEV works

Launched in August by Governor Newsom and the California Air Resources Board, California's MyFirstEV rebate program takes the discount off at the point of sale, whether you buy at a dealership or directly from an automaker. There is no lengthy application period. The program stems from a $135.5 million investment by the Governor and the Legislature, matched dollar for dollar by participating automakers, delivering a combined $271 million in total savings to California families at the point of sale.

Here's what buyers need to know:
  • $3,500 off new zero-emission vehicles with an MSRP up to $50,000
  • $1,750 off used zero-emission vehicles sold for up to $25,000 through manufacturers' pre-owned vehicle programs
  • Open to any Californian buying their first ZEV.

Rebates are still available through participating automakers, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota, Lucid, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, and Volvo.

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"Californians are tired of skyrocketing gas prices. They also deserve a healthy environment and to breathe clean air, in addition to lower costs," said Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia. "That's why we will continue investing in innovative policies that protect Californians on multiple fronts: from their wallets to their health."

"California is full speed ahead. We're cutting harmful vehicle pollution, delivering cleaner air, and building momentum — and the early success of MyFirstEV is supercharging that progress," said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. "Despite federal interference and attempts to turn back the clock, the global market is racing forward, and California will continue to lead."

Building on MyFirstEV's early success, Toyota also recently launched its own privately funded offer to build on the Governor's MyFirstEV program. Known as MyNextEV and MyLexusEV, these manufacturer-led programs give Californians who have owned an EV before an instant $2,500 off an eligible Toyota or Lexus electric car, whether they buy or lease.

California is racing to win, while Trump is asleep at the wheel

Governor Newsom today announced California's new 2026 Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy, the next step in California's plan to win the global ZEV economy. Developed by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). This comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy serves as the state's guiding framework for large-scale, equitable growth in the ZEV market and is structured around four core pillars – vehicles, infrastructure, end users, and workforce.

"Zero-emission vehicles prove that what is good for our climate can also be good for our economy. They create good-paying jobs and catalyze economic development while cleaning our air and protecting our health," said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of the Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development. "Now more than ever, we are committed to realizing our zero-emission future, and this strategy only further demonstrates that we have a clear and achievable path to get there."

The California Energy Commission (CEC) also released its latest EV charger assessment today, finding that California is already nearly halfway to meeting its projected 2030 charging needs. With 224,438 shared charging ports already installed statewide, California is nearly 50% of the way towards the 478,000 ports projected to support 6.8 million EVs by 2030. The report also highlights the significant economic opportunity ahead, with continued expansion of the state's charging network supporting jobs in manufacturing, construction, and installation.

"Despite the Trump administration's continued attack on clean vehicles, California drivers continue to go electric, choosing EVs for a great driving experience and no more trips to the gas station," said CEC Commissioner Nancy Skinner. "And MyFirstEV, the state's EV purchase incentive program, is a great opportunity for drivers looking to join the trend and take advantage of California's extensive network of publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure."

California is in the fast lane as America's #1 ZEV market. Under Governor Newsom, with support from the Legislature, the Golden State has invested nearly $6.6 billion since 2021 in ZEVs and the chargers powering them. Key highlights include:
  • Jobs: More than 25,600 Californians work in ZEV manufacturing at 52 ZEV-related manufacturers based in California.
  • Drivers: Californians have bought almost 2.8 million ZEVs (https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/zero-emission-vehicle-and-infrastructure-statistics-collection/new-zev).
  • Trucks: Nearly 1 in 4 new trucks, buses, and vans sold in California (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/nearly-1-4-new-trucks-buses-and-vans-california-go-zero-emission-2-years-ahead-schedule) in 2024 were zero-emission, more than double the state's target.
  • EV Chargers: California has 224,438 public and limited-access charging ports (https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/zero-emission-vehicle-and-infrastructure-statistics-collection/electric), including about 23,000 fast chargers, plus almost 1.2 million estimated chargers at homes. Since 2021, fast charger installations have increased 221%.
  • Regional growth: Six of California's 13 Jobs First regions named ZEVs a priority growth industry, and 12 of the 13 named the clean economy a strategic sector. The state's Jobs First economic blueprint (https://jobsfirst.ca.gov/blueprint/) puts ZEVs among the industries ready for new investment, bringing lasting good-paying jobs to communities across California.

Drivers are tired of paying for Trump's failed energy policies at the pump

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For too long, American families have paid for conflicts overseas every time they fill up. Trump's reckless war in Iran is the latest bill (https://iranwarcost.watson.brown.edu/) — costing Americans nationwide more than $135 billion in extra fuel costs, amounting to over $1,000 per household.

The International Energy Agency says it caused the largest supply disruption in the history (https://www.iea.org/reports/oil-market-report-march-2026) of the global oil market. While families paid more at the pump, oil and gas companies raked in $85.2 billion in profits (https://climatepower.us/news/oil-and-gas-companies-rake-in-85-2-billion-in-q2-profits-while-american-families-pay-the-price/) in the second quarter of 2026, about $39 million every hour.

Across the country, drivers are choosing electric in growing numbers, and the reasons are simple:
  • Cheaper to fuel. Drivers save up to $2,000 per year on fuel (https://www.electricforall.org/ev-savings-calculators/) alone by going electric.
  • Cheaper to own. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no tune-ups, and regenerative braking that helps brake pads last longer.
  • More choices. California drivers can pick from 145 light-duty EV models today. Before you buy, check which vehicles qualify (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/myfirstev-participating-manufacturers) for California's MyFirstEV rebate program.
  • No more price shocks. The cost of charging isn't tied to volatile global oil markets prone to price spikes.

See how much you could save by switching with Electric For All's free EV savings calculator (https://www.electricforall.org/ev-savings-calculators/).

Press releases (https://www.gov.ca.gov/category/press-releases/), Recent news (https://www.gov.ca.gov/category/recent-news/)

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